US renewable energy grew less than 1% in 2004: EIA

Washington (Platts)--29Aug2005

Despite robust growth in wind energy and ethanol production, the amount
of renewable energy in the US increased less than 1% last year, not even
enough to keep up with rising demand, according to the Energy Information
Administration. 
     "Total energy consumption grew faster than did renewables, rising nearly
2% in 2004 to 100.3 quadrillion Btu," EIA said. "Petroleum and natural gas
supplied most of the increase." Total renewable energy consumption--including
biofuels--remained relatively constant from 2003 to 2004, accounting for 6.1
quads or 6% of US demand. Renewable use jumped the highest (24%) in the
transportation sector because of increased use of ethanol as states continued
to phase out use of the gasoline additive MTBE. 
     Renewable-generated electricity actually fell 1%, even with a 27%
increase in wind power, while power supplies as a whole grew 2%, EIA said. If
hydropower is excluded, renewable power provides 2% of US electricity needs.  
     "The major components of change in capacity were a nearly 1,600
[megawatt] expansion of wind, partially offset by a 660 MW decrease in
hydroelectric capacity," EIA said. Wind power accounts for 0.36% of the
electricity mix. 
     EIA said wind power capacity would likely have been higher if
Congress had not permitted a production tax credit to expire for most of 2004
before renewing it in a tax bill last fall. It was extended two additional
years in the energy bill and will be available to new projects brought on-line
by Dec 31, 2007. 
     While the data showed a mixed bag for renewables, EIA pointed out
that seven more states required their use. Four states and the District of
Columbia adopted renewable energy laws in 2004, while Colorado and Florida
enacted partial mandates. In addition, Hawaii turned an existing voluntary
program into a requirement.

For more information, take a trial to Platts Renewable Energy Report at
http://renewableenergyreport.platts.com.

Please visit: www.platts.com

Their coverage of energy matters is extensive!!.